Monte Dale Gier, 67, of Arcata, passed away on August 31, 2024 surrounded by family. Monte was born on February 20, 1957 in Arcata. He enjoyed working in the lumber and timber industry from 1975 to 2012 at various mills throughout Humboldt County, including LP Pulp Mill, Orick Mill and Brainard.

Monte attended Bloomfield Elementary School and St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Arcata High School in 1975. He later attended College of the Redwoods to be certified to work in water treatment systems.

Monte had a life long passion for racing and that, along with his skills in wood-working and lawn stripping, were among his favorite hobbies.

Monte deeply loved his family, frequently expressing his affection openly and sincerely. He was known for his protective nature, especially when pertaining to women. His willingness to lend a helping hand was his true legacy. He had a remarkable gift of listening to others and bringing joy to those around him and quite often brightened the mood with his humorous impersonations over the forklift intercom when he worked at the mills. His relationships with colleagues at LP and Simpson were of great significance to him and he will be remembered fondly by many.

Monte is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Mixer, Hemmingsen) Gier; amazing daughters, Candy Gier and Sandy (Gier) Turpen (their mom, Teresa); sons by marriage, Rob Hemmingsen (Kari), Brian Hemmingsen (Delcie), Nathan Hemmingsen (Angel); grandchildren Brandon Turpen, Madisen Turpen (Jonathan), Robby Hemmingsen (Renee), Wyatt Hemmingsen, Rathlin Hemmingsen, Elyham Hemmingsen, Mason Hemmingsen, Brantley Hemmingsen; and great grandson, Zhiare Cross. He is also survived by numerous other in-laws, former in-laws and other extended family; including his mother-in-law Ann Mixer, brother in-laws, Paul (Paulett), and Mike; sister in-laws, Gail (Richard), Sharon (Lee), Maggie (Ted), Donna (Charlotte); and his step-mother, Shannon Rohrbach.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Betty (Goodman) Gier, his sister Pam (Gier) Scheel, his racing mentor, John Silva, and many aunts and uncles from California and Colorado.

A celebration of Monte’s life will be held on 9/21/2024 in the Home Economics Building (Wayne Vickers Building) at Redwood Acres, (3750 Harris St.) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to join for food and sharing memories. To RSVP, please send an e-mail to cgier77@gmail.com or send a text to 541-407-9047

A special mention to:

Maisy Zanotti, for all the help she provided to Barbara and Monte during his final days. Thank you so much.

Ed and Dora Scott, who truly deserve a “best neighbors” award.

Friends from Racing – Scott Stevens, Aaron & Nicki Byers, Orion Mosher and Rob Hemmingsen (with fabricating parts.)

Friends from LP - Dan Ringer, Dave Brazil, Paul Knack, Brooks Martin, Don Clark, Roy Horton, Willie Cernick, Dan Branco, Darryl Emery, Earl Washburn, brothers Bob & Ed Weatherbee , Larry Bravo, Wayne Fields, Ron Settles, Carlos Avelar, Dave Armstrong, Kathy Reitz, John Matsen, Dave Jones, Mike Kauffman, Bret Chambers, Don Gomes, Theresa Loper, Eric Zink, Tim Dedekam, and Trent Macy.

Friends from Simpson - Rodney Verbich, Aaron Byer, Ramon Zaragoza, Mart Coleman, Al Portillo, Reese Valertine, Ed Sparrow, Terry Webster, Wendy Freeman, Shea Freeman, Phil Handy, Jackie Handy and Tony Manning.

You all were truly special to Monte. Thank you for your friendship.